Abel could hear laughter in the background as someone thumped him on the shoulder. He reared back with a scowl on his face.

Jackson stood there shaking his head as he plucked Erin out of Abel’s arms and gave her a big hug. “Be happy.”

Erin’s smile was almost blinding as she returned her brother’s hug. “I will,” she promised.

Then it was Nathan’s turn as he picked Erin up and swung her around in a circle. Abel watched them, loving the way they interacted together as a family. Jackson stood beside him as they watched Nathan and Erin together. “Welcome to the family.” He stuck out his hand as he spoke.

Abel took his best friend’s hand and held it tight. “I’ll make her happy,” he promised.

Jackson nodded, but then the moment passed and was gone as they were swarmed by the other guests. Everyone congratulated them all at once. Abel snagged Erin from her brother’s arms and kept her close by his side as they shook hands and accepted warm wishes from their guests.

Abel felt a bit awkward when his newfound brother Cain stepped up before him and offered him his large hand. The two men eyed each other as they shook hands. “Thanks for coming.” They were finding their way slowly, but surely, but it would take time.

“You’re welcome,” Cain’s deep voice rumbled. Then he gave a snort of laughter. “Our wives wouldn’t have it any other way.” Both men turned and watched Erin and Katie as they chatted and hugged. The women had struck up an instant friendship that only seemed to be getting stronger over time.

“I’m still glad you came.”

Cain stared at him for a moment before a rare grin crossed his face. “Me too.”

Excusing himself, Cain led his wife away to allow other people to speak to the new bride and groom. Carly was laughing and kissing both him and Erin, and she was followed by a parade of Erin’s friends from town. It was a small wedding by most standards, but it was more than big enough for Abel. The thirty or so guests filled the yard as they all milled about chatting and socializing.

It was a beautiful evening for a wedding, and everyone helped themselves to a buffet supper. People sat in clusters around the picnic tables that had been set up around the yard. Food was consumed, toasts were made, and everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves.

Finally, it was time for the first dance. Abel led Erin to the middle of the makeshift dance floor and pulled her into his arms as the local band they’d hired began to play a slow love song. Erin snuggled against his chest and he could feel his cock swelling at her nearness. He’d wanted her desperately since he’d laid eyes on her before the ceremony.

“You look like an angel,” he whispered in her ear. He licked behind her ear, and she shivered.

She gazed up at him, her blue eyes luminous and her red hair glowing in the patio lanterns. “Thank you.” Shifting closer to him, she pressed her stomach against his growing erection.

Abel laughed and held her close as he swung her around the floor to the whoops and laughter of their friends. “You’re playing with fire,” he cautioned her.

She just shot him a knowing smile. “Maybe I want to get burned.”

Abel swooped Erin up in his arms and turned to the crowd. “Enjoy yourselves. We’ll see you in a few days.”

Amidst much catcalling and shouted encouragement, Abel carried his new wife to his truck. Carly rushed forward to hand Erin her bouquet as they passed her. Erin buried her nose in the fragrant roses, enjoying their scent and beauty one final time. She looked up at him, gave him a wink, and then tossed the bouquet back over his shoulder. Carly was startled, but caught it in both hands. Erin laughed and waved at her friend as he tucked her into the truck. Giving the group one last wave, he gunned the engine and started the short trip back to their new home.

Nathan walked up behind Carly as she buried her nose in the roses of his sister’s wedding bouquet. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest. “I can’t wait much longer.” His days were filled with frustration, as he and Carly could barely seem to get two minutes together lately.

“I know.” She leaned back against his chest and sighed. “I’ve just been so busy with two of my staff down with the flu.”

“And I’ve been working double-shifts. Some of the guys at work are down with the same damned thing.” Nathan tugged Carly back into the shadows and kissed the back of her neck.

“Hmm,” she agreed as she tilted her neck to one side to give him better access.

“I don’t think I can take three more weeks of waiting,” Nathan grated out between clenched teeth. His cock was so hard against the front of his pants he thought he might explode. He tortured himself further by rubbing it over her rounded backside.

Moaning, she pushed her ass back against him. His hands started to slide up towards her breasts. “Carly.” A woman’s voice broke the sensual spell between them. Nathan groaned and buried his face in her hair.

Nathan kept Carly in front of him as her mother walked towards them. Nathan liked both her parents, but right now he wished them to the devil. They’d come home a week ago to spend the month with Carly and help her get ready for the wedding. Since then they hadn’t managed to get two minutes alone, even for a quickie.

Carly shot him a pleading look, begging him to understand. He bent down and nipped her earlobe. “Soon,” he promised. “I won’t wait much longer.”

He nodded to her mom before stalking off in the other direction. He needed to be alone for a while. With his cock rock-hard, making a huge bulge in the front of his dress pants, he wasn’t fit for polite company.

Chapter Twenty-One

Erin was breathless with anticipation as Abel opened the door to the truck, reached in, and lifted her out of the vehicle. It seemed as if it had been years, rather than days, since they’d made love. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she relaxed as he walked towards the house with her cradled in his strong arms. He lowered her enough so she could unlock the back door and push it open. Carrying her over the threshold, he shoved the door closed with his booted heel. The sound echoed through the quiet house. They were finally alone.

“Welcome home.” Erin shivered as his voice and words washed over her. He said nothing else, but continued through the kitchen and up the stairs, not pausing until he reached the door to the new master bedroom.

They’d finally cleared everything out of his parent’s old room, and Abel had spent the last week painting and fixing it up just for them. A feeling of rightness settled over Erin as he lowered her legs to the bedroom floor. Standing there, wrapped in his protective embrace, she felt as if she’d finally found her place in the world.

Abel finally pulled away from her, shrugged out of his jacket, and tugged off his tie, throwing them over the chair in the corner. Turning to her, he placed his hands on his hips and stared at her. “Did you?” His voice was low and sexy as he watched her.

“Did I what?” She could feel the moisture pooling between her legs as his heated gaze washed over her. Her nipples were hard and each time she took a breath the sensitive tips were pushed against the material. She bit her lip to keep from moaning aloud.

“Did you wear panties or not, Missus Garrett?” He stalked towards her, a male animal on the prowl.

“What do you think, Mr. Garrett?” She smiled coyly, lifting the hem of her dress slightly, offering him only a glimpse of her white stockings.

Abel sat on the side of the bed and hauled off his boot and socks, tossing them aside. Standing, he unbuttoned his shirt, yanked it off and dropped it to the floor. Erin couldn’t take her eyes off him as he continued to undress in front of her. His muscles rippled as he moved and her fingers itched to touch him. Her dress was suddenly way too tight, making it hard for her to catch her breath.

Abel shucked his pants and underwear and sat back on the bed. “Come here.” Holding out his hand, he waited for her to come to him.

Erin stepped out of her low-heeled pumps and padded over to him. Spreading his legs wide, he pulled her close to him, burying his face in her stomach. His hands came up to shape the contours of her behind, his fingers tracing the creases at the tops of her thighs.

She bit back a moan as his hands slid down the backs of her legs and then slipped underneath her dress. Her whole body trembled as she waited for him to discover her wet sex waiting for him. His fingers teased her as he took his time, grazing her inner thighs before sifting through her pubic hair. “Thigh-high stockings, not a garter belt,” he murmured softly.

Widening her legs, Erin silently encouraged him to touch her. This time she moaned when his large palm cupped her sex, his fingers tracing their wet folds. He growled as his fingers slipped inside her eager body.

“So hot and wet,” he muttered as he slid his fingers from her slit and trailed them down her quivering thighs. His eyes blazed as he sat back and stared at her. “Pull up your dress and show me your pussy.”

Flames of desire seared Erin’s skin as she inched her dress up to her waist, exposing her naked lower body to him. He ran his fingers over the tops of her thigh-high stockings and her hips moved, thrusting towards him. “Spread your legs.”

Erin widened her stance and cried out as he thrust his fingers deep into her aching sex. Her muscles clenched hard around them, wanting him deeper. “Do you want me, baby?” Abel’s words aroused her even more.

“Oh, yes.” Her reply was little more than a throaty whisper.